TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China said Friday it was open to dialogue with Lithuania after the Baltic nation’s prime minister said allowing a Taiwan office in Vilnius was a mistake, per Reuters.

China Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lin Jian said the door to communication remained open. He added China hoped Lithuania would translate its willingness to improve ties into concrete actions and “promptly rectify its error.”

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene told Baltic News Service this week that her government had begun taking “small first steps” to restore relations with Beijing. She said Lithuania had misjudged the consequences of the 2021 decision.

China downgraded relations with Lithuania after it allowed Taiwan to open a representative office under the name “Taiwanese,” which Beijing views as implying sovereignty. Most countries instead use the name “Taipei” to avoid challenging China’s claims over Taiwan.

Since the diplomatic break, Lithuania has recalled its ambassador, expelled three Chinese diplomats in late 2024 and faced economic retaliation. China last year barred two Lithuanian banks from transactions with Chinese entities.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said Taiwan and Lithuania remain close partners that share democratic values, per CNA. It added that both sides agreed on the office’s name and would continue strengthening cooperation.